Chapter 12: The First Evolution of a Demonic Ant

The wasteland stretched out endlessly before the newly evolved Demonic Ants, the creatures that now fell under the iron control of Ainz's newly acquired Ant Emperor skill. They were more than just ants now. Their appearance, power, and purpose had drastically changed since Ainz had upgraded the Ant King into something far more fearsome.

Among them was a particular ant, distinct from the others in more than just its size or power. It was the first ant to have successfully survived the grueling slave seal that Ainz had placed on the entire colony. This ant had not only survived but thrived under the seal. Its loyalty to Ainz was absolute, unmatched by the others, and in a world where submission equaled survival, this ant had risen to become a leader among its brethren.

Though still nameless, the ant's presence was enough to intimidate the other ants into submission. It had become an extension of Ainz's will, almost as if it was an extension of his very soul. Its peers, though powerful in their own right, could not match the devotion it exhibited. The ant had transcended its lowly origins and had become something more, something destined for greatness.

The Evolution of the Ant

During one particular day, as the ant roamed through the wasteland, it stumbled upon a large, powerful monster. The wasteland, a place of high mana concentration, was teeming with creatures that had grown strong from the residual energy left behind after the battle between Milim and Guy Crimson, two powerful Demon Lords. The monster was far more powerful than the others it had encountered before—its level easily surpassed those of the lesser creatures that the ant had fed on thus far.

The ant, driven by its newfound strength after Ainz's skill upgrade, engaged the monster in battle. It was a fierce contest, but the ant had learned much from its master. It utilized the techniques and combat styles passed down from Ainz's will, avoiding the monster's heavy blows and landing precise, lethal strikes.

As the battle raged on, the ant took severe damage. Its exoskeleton cracked in several places, and it was on the verge of being overwhelmed by the sheer might of the monster's power. But in that critical moment, as the ant bit into the monster's flesh, something unusual happened. The monster's blood, seeping through the cracks in the ant's exoskeleton, triggered a sudden transformation within the ant's body.

The ant felt a surge of power as the blood fused with its system. Its injuries, which moments before had been fatal, began to heal almost instantly. A newfound hunger awoke within it—not just for meat, but for blood. In a savage frenzy, the ant tore through the monster's body, feasting on its blood until nothing was left but a drained husk.

The ant had acquired a new skill—Vampire Blood. This skill allowed it to restore its health by consuming the blood of its enemies. No longer limited to its natural abilities, the ant now possessed a regenerative power that set it apart from its kin. It could recover from wounds that would have killed other creatures, and the more blood it consumed, the stronger it became.

Demiurge's Observation

Not far from the scene, Demiurge, Ainz's loyal and cunning servant, observed the battle unfold. He had been overseeing the development of the Demonic Ants, ensuring that the breeding grounds in the wasteland were optimal for their growth. Demiurge had always prided himself on his meticulousness and attention to detail, but even he had not expected one of the ants to evolve in such a unique way.

Watching the ant consume the monster's blood and regenerate its wounds, Demiurge felt a wave of admiration for Ainz's brilliance. The Ant Emperor skill was already proving to be far more effective than any of them had anticipated. It wasn't just about creating more powerful ants—it was about creating intelligent, adaptable soldiers who could evolve and acquire new skills based on their surroundings and experiences.

"This is no ordinary ant," Demiurge muttered to himself. "It has transcended its nature. Lord Ainz truly is beyond comparison."

Approaching the ant with caution, Demiurge marveled at its new form. It was larger, more robust, and exuded a palpable aura of power. The vampire-like traits it had acquired made it even more formidable in combat, and its loyalty to Ainz was undeniable.

Demiurge, always the strategist, saw the potential immediately. If one ant could evolve like this, then the others might follow. With Ainz's oversight and careful planning, they could build an army of vampiric Demonic Ants, regenerating, bloodthirsty creatures that would be nearly impossible to kill. Demiurge couldn't help but smirk at the thought.

"I must inform Lord Ainz at once," he said, speaking directly to the ant. "You are the proof of his brilliance, and he must know what has transpired here."

Ainz's Reaction

Demiurge wasted no time in relaying the news to Ainz. Using their telepathic link, he informed his master of the ant's transformation and the acquisition of the Vampire Blood skill. As Demiurge described the scene, Ainz listened carefully, his expression hidden behind the bone-like structure of his face. However, beneath the surface, he was deeply intrigued.

"I see…," Ainz muttered. "The upgrade to the Ant Emperor skill has resulted in far more than I expected. This ant has evolved beyond its station."

Ainz paused, considering the implications. He had always known that his Ant Emperor skill would be powerful, but to create minions that could not only survive but thrive in such conditions was a testament to the strength of the skill. The fact that the ant had acquired a skill on its own, without Ainz directly influencing it, meant that the potential for further evolution among the ants was limitless.

"It appears that many of the Demonic Ants have begun to take on new traits," Ainz mused. "Some have even started to resemble the undead."

This was no mere coincidence. Ainz knew that his skill was having a profound effect on the ants, pushing them to evolve in ways that mirrored his own nature. As an undead overlord, it made sense that his creations would begin to take on aspects of undeath themselves.

"Demiurge," Ainz said, "I want this ant brought to me. Its evolution is fascinating, and I wish to see it with my own eyes."

"As you command, Lord Ainz," Demiurge responded, bowing deeply.

The Ant Emperor's Power

As Ainz waited for the ant to be brought before him, he took the opportunity to reflect on his progress. The Ant Emperor skill had surpassed his expectations. Not only did it allow him to control vast numbers of powerful creatures, but it also seemed to encourage them to evolve in ways that suited their environment. This was no ordinary skill—it was a force of nature, a tool that would allow Ainz to reshape the very world around him.

The ant's acquisition of Vampire Blood was just the beginning. Ainz could feel it in his bones. The other ants were beginning to change as well. Some had already developed new abilities, though none as powerful as the vampiric ant. But Ainz knew it was only a matter of time. With the right conditions and careful guidance, his army of Demonic Ants would become an unstoppable force.

When the ant finally arrived, escorted by Demiurge, Ainz gazed upon it with a mixture of pride and curiosity. It was truly an impressive creature. Its size had nearly doubled since its transformation, and its eyes glowed with a faint, crimson light—a sign of its vampiric nature.

"You have done well," Ainz said, his voice cold but approving. "Your loyalty and evolution are proof of my power. From this day forward, you shall serve as my Blood General, commanding the armies of Demonic Ants in my name."

The ant, understanding its master's words, bowed deeply. Though it lacked the intelligence of higher beings, its loyalty and determination were unwavering.

"Demiurge," Ainz continued, "we will continue to observe the evolution of the other ants. If they can develop skills like this one, we will have an army that even the greatest powers in this world will fear."

Demiurge nodded, his mind already racing with strategies and possibilities. "As you command, Lord Ainz."

The Dawn of a New Army

With the Blood General at his side, Ainz knew that the future of his empire was secure. The Demonic Ants would continue to evolve, gaining new abilities and powers as they fed on the creatures of the wasteland. And with each new evolution, Ainz's grip on the world would tighten.

For now, his focus was on continuing his research into skills and evolution. He had learned much from observing Rimuru and others, but there was still much more to uncover. The limits of power in this world were not yet known, but Ainz was determined to push past them, to become not just an overlord, but a god.

And with his new army of vampiric, undead-like ants at his command, that goal seemed closer than ever.